The beech forests in the hills of Minami Zao were heavily logged for military supplies during the Second World War, and for living needs in the years after the war, and as the uplands are at an elevation of 700m, populations have never recovered. The Society to Conserve Beeches & Water of Zao has been opposing logging since 1986, and has engaged in planting and national trust activities, with 13.7ha of forest currently being cultivated on trust land. This project will involve (1) tree-thinning and pruning by experienced individuals, (2) holding a 25th anniversary event and publishing brochures to expand the organization's base and reach, and (3) buying and installing a heater for the operational base. It is hoped that improved pruning tools will make operations more efficient, and that publishing brochures and improving the operating base will increase supporter numbers.